Edo rescues three trafficked indigenes from Burkina Faso

The Edo State Migration Agency's successful repatriation of three trafficked indigenes from Burkina Faso marks a significant intervention against the pervasive scourge of human trafficking. The harrowing accounts of the victims, particularly the young woman who lost her sight due to brutal abuse and the two others forced into prostitution, underscore the extreme dangers faced by vulnerable Nigerians lured abroad with false promises.

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It is quite a happy and a sad day with the situation around us. The Nigerian Ambassador to Burkina Faso reached out to the state on the stranded Edo indigenes.

Governor Monday Okpebholo's swift directive for intervention, prompted by an alert from Nigeria's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Muhammad Danladi, highlights a commendable commitment to protecting Edo citizens. The agency's Director-General, Lucky Agazuma, described the day as both happy and sad, encapsulating the relief of rescue alongside the deep sorrow for the victims' suffering.

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One of the victims was deceived to Burkina Faso, and on getting there, he was imprisoned and remained there until we secured his release.

This incident brings to the fore the critical need for continued vigilance and robust rehabilitation programs. The agency's appeal for public assistance in tracing the family of the visually impaired victim, who has no known relatives in the Uselu area, demonstrates the complex challenges in reintegrating survivors. Furthermore, the apprehension of a suspect involved in the trafficking network signals a proactive approach to dismantling these criminal enterprises. The Edo State Government's response, including immediate medical attention for the victim who lost her sight, showcases a dedication to the victims' recovery and reintegration, offering a beacon of hope against the darkness of trafficking.

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Two other ladies were deceived and trafficked from Edo to Burkina Faso with promises of jobs. On getting there, they were forced into prostitution, and when they declined, they were beaten mercilessly and subjected to all sorts of inhuman treatment.